Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
6-14-18
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Aldermen Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie, Harold Minor, Daryl Alford, Carnell Carrell
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Erna Freeman, Joe Boudreaux, Blondie Carrell, William Smith, Tracie Roberts
Called to order at 7:03 pm
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell reported on the last joint meeting held for the historical society. She also asked to be put on the agenda to give the new council updates on. She also claimed that the roses on Main Street look poor.
Erna Freeman commented on the poor condition for some of the properties in down which include the Robinett building on Main, Daryl commented on the Robinet building having holes in the roof; Harbour House on Main Street trash all over the yard, tall grass and building in poor shape and the Blackshear home also has holes in roof and windows broken. Erna Freeman also commented on the trash on the school property (Mary Love’s) torn down home. She also comment on the agenda item regarding Houston Street.
Joe Boudreaux commented on the mowing through town and how nice Johnson Street looks. He also commented on the agenda item for Houston Street. He asked council to oppose.
Agenda Items:
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the minutes. Karen McDuffie made a motion to accept minutes. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review Entergy’s Ordinance 128-18 asking the town to decline the rate hike. Daryl Alford made motion to accept ordinance. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed.
Paul Cassidy made presentation to council regarding the Differential Response Training class the council asked him to attend.
Item #4 Daryl Alford made a motion to table implementing plans from DRT training. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed.
Daryl Alford made a motion to accept the Interlocal Agreement with Grimes County with the agreed changes. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed. The Interlocal Agreement would have to be posted outside for 72 hours.
Mayor Sowell explained to council that she had met with Ian and Lem Momin early that week in regard to closing Houston Street. There were problems with their insurance and Shell branding. Carnell Carrell made a motion to deny the application for closure of Houston Street. Daryl Alford seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed. Mayor Sowell will send a letter.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review bills. Carnell Carrell made a motion to accept the bills. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed.
Michael Casaretto explained to council that a Municipal Court would need to be formed rather than an Interlocal Agreement. Daryl Alford commented that he had done research regarding permits only 3 cities in Texas with less than 300 people had permits and code enforcement and Michael had a hand in 2.
Mayor Sowell explained to council that the General Land Office released their standards for the 2015 grant money and only $8 Million would be available for infrastructure and the rest of the monies will be used for housing. Vicki Spies from Grant Works suggested that we do a door to door survey. Mayor Sowell asked council to get a group together to do the survey and ask residents for pictures. Karen McDuffie suggested we write a script explaining why we are doing this for the people conducting the survey. Mayor Sowell was asked by a citizen about installing speed bumps. Karen McDuffie suggested a Children at Play sign. Carol DeBose commented that there is a problem all through town. Karen McDuffie suggested that people may not see the sign and asked about lights around the sign. Paul Cassidy suggested checking stop sign heights and placement.
Entered into Closed Session at 9:03 pm.
Returned from Closed Session at 10:15 pm.
Meeting was adjourned 10:16 pm.